DOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM WITH PHONE OR TABLET A Note to Readers Sometimes young children become upset over small things. Take Erik, for example. He becomes upset when his shirtsleeve gets wet. Like Erik, most young children experience emotions very intensely. Each emotion, in the moment, is a big deal! Emotions can be overwhelming for young children because they don’t know how to deal with or process their feelings. And when the emotion is a difficult one, like sadness, fear, or anger, it can feel as though the emotion they are experiencing will never go away. When a child is upset, the best thing you can do is simply acknowledge the child’s feelings. Ms. Regina does this when she says, “I can see you’re sad,” and reassures him that the shirt will dry. By acknowledging the emotion the child is feeling, you communicate, “I can see that you’re upset, but I’m here with you now.” And really, that’s what matters most. We hope The Amazing Erik shows children that while some emotions are upsetting, they won’t last forever—especially when a caring adult is there to help. k Erik’s spinal injury affects his ability to walk. Although he needs a wheelchair, he is still able to get out of it by himself and sit on the floor. Children who use wheelchairs have varying challenges. Some children aren’t able to get out of their wheelchairs unassisted. COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL